Change Management and Anxiety

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

I came across a fine and thoughtful post managing anxiety in the face of change. Although it was written about newsrooms, the wisdom applies in any big organization. I urge you to take a look. Managing Anxiety

And be sure to read his post on “Newsroom Culture and Change.”

Here was my response to his post on anxiety.

I’ll limit my comment on survival anxiety (great phrase, in my humble opinion). Your research matches my experience. Although the anxiety is real, many, if not most, employees are more than willing to embrace new skills if they are given a chance. Too often they are left in the dark, and the dark is the breeding ground of fear. Couple with that, they are given no chance to learn how to tackle new skills until months into the change. By this point, anxiety has gotten so out of control, that learning has a hard time taking root.

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Rick Maurer

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Rick Maurer helps leaders build teams and implement change without resistance. His books are definitive guides to creating an environment that increases communication, overcomes resistance and skepticism, and helps leaders to lead more effectively in spite of organizational change initiatives. Visit the Bookstore